The Smith-Merkley race is about to get a dose of star power.

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger will be in Oregon two weeks from now stumping for the Oregon incumbent, republican Senator Gordon Smith.

As two republicans holding high office in blue states, Smith and Schwarzenegger have a commonality.

“He's the type of republican Oregonians appreciate working with and Senator Smith appreciates working with,” explained Lindsay Gilbride, a Smith campaign Spokesperson. “And of course he is The Terminator so that makes it all the more exciting.”

AP

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger

What Smith's campaign calls exciting, his opponent -democrat Jeff Merkley- calls desperate.

“Oh, Smith is extremely worried,” said Merkley, currently the Speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives.

Merkley argues Smith needs Schwarzenegger by his side to appear moderate and popular, and to distract from party ties with President George Bush.

“Schwarzennegger and Smith happen to both be ultra-wealthy so they seem to be very happy with the direction of the country,” said Merkley.

Lewis and Clark Political Science Professor Robert Eisinger says election strategies in this race are naturally party-focused.

“We should also expect Jeff Merkley to bring in popular governors here before the campaign is over, as well,” said Eisinger.

For now, Merkley is asking democratic Senator Ron Wyden to set aside his bi-partisan fondness for Smith.

This nationally watched race for Oregon Senate is now hotly contested.

It’s just what Senator Smith would perhaps expect as he welcomes Governor Schwarzenegger into the campaign fold.

Smith was vacationing with his wife and unavailable for comment Wednesday.

Governor Schwarzenegger will come to Portland August 21st.

Tickets to that private fundraiser will cost a thousand bucks a person.